Understanding and Treating Plantar Warts

What Causes Plantar Warts?

Plantar warts are caused by an infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) in the outer layer of skin on the soles of your feet. The virus thrives in warm, moist environments and enters your body through tiny cuts, breaks, or other weak spots on the bottom of your feet. Walking barefoot in public areas like swimming pools or locker rooms can increase your risk.

Symptoms of Plantar Warts

Plantar wart signs and symptoms include:

• A small, fleshy, rough, grainy growth on the bottom of your foot.
• Hard, thickened skin (callus) over a well-defined "spot" on the skin, where a wart has grown inward.
• Black pinpoints, which are commonly called "wart seeds" but are actually small, clotted blood vessels.
• Pain or tenderness when walking or standing.

Distinguishing Warts from Calluses

A key way to tell the difference between a plantar wart and a callus is the "pinch test." If you pinch the lesion from side to side and it's painful, it is more likely to be a wart. Calluses are typically painful with direct pressure but not from pinching.

Treatment Options

While some plantar warts go away on their own, many are stubborn and require treatment, especially if they are painful. Over-the-counter remedies are often not strong enough. A podiatrist can offer more effective treatments:

• Topical Acids: Prescription-strength salicylic acid is applied to the wart to peel it away layer by layer.
• Cryotherapy: Applying liquid nitrogen to the wart to freeze it off. This may require several treatments.
• Curettage: The specialist can numb the area and remove the wart with a small, spoon-shaped instrument (curette).